Podcasts about EOD

A solid transition plan does not guarantee a clean landing. Guest Taamir Ransome left the Army with advanced education, real-world experience, and a strong résumé, but he still felt the loss of identity, purpose, and daily mission after taking off the uniform. This conversation follows Taamir from joining the Army after 9/11, serving in the 82nd Airborne, moving into EOD, supporting special operations, and becoming the first Black Tier 1 EOD operator. From there, the focus turns to the part of service that follows veterans home: the pressure, the silence, the missing pack, and the struggle to explain combat stress to people who only know the military through movies. Taamir also breaks down ideas from his book Mind of a Soldier, including why the uniform is not your identity, why veterans need people who will call them out when they are slipping, why "thank you for your service" can shut down a better conversation, and why filing for benefits or walking into a VFW can be part of fighting for yourself. This episode gives veterans a practical reminder that help exists, but you may have to approach it the same way you approached the mission: gather information, find the right people, and take the next step. Timestamps: 00:07:13 - Transition looked strong, but still hit hard 00:11:53 - The uniform is not your identity 00:15:51 - Why veterans must fight for themselves 00:19:51 - Why PTSD may not explain everything 00:22:36 - Why combat can be hard to leave Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://blog.sixeight.io Follow Taamir Ransome on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ransomemindofasoldier Follow Taamir Ransome on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taamir-ransome

Learn how to use AI to Buy Agencies:https://value.8figureagency.co/MNASystemized Sales (done-for-you sales teams): systemizedsales.comRevphlo.com (post-call sales attribution — works with GoHighLevel & HubSpot)Dylan on X: @sdrwhispererMost agencies are sitting on a goldmine and treating it like a junk drawer.That was the exact problem on the table. A giveaway funnel pulling 100+ emails a week. 300 to 500 comments a post on X. Newsletter readers. Ad clickers who never book. Five different lists, none of them talking to each other. A great setter could go to work on that data and print money — if anyone had organized it.So Jordan brought in Dylan Rich, founder of Systemized Sales. Dylan runs 10 sales teams at once, end to end — name, email, phone number all the way to contract signed and cash collected. In 15 years of sales and seven years working with agencies, this is the most sophisticated GoHighLevel pipeline either of them has seen. They build it live: UTM attribution per post, the "tattoo" rule for tags vs. custom fields, an action-based lead score that pings a setter the second a lead crosses 6 points, a speed-to-lead workflow with 73 million enrollments, and 57 smart lists ranked P1 through P5 so setters never waste a minute guessing who to call.Then Dylan opens up Revphlow — the post-call attribution tool that kills the EOD form forever and tells you your cash per call by traffic source, by closer, by calendar. If you run organic and paid traffic into a sales team, this is the playbook.What You'll LearnThe "tattoo" rule — when to use a tag (permanent) vs. a custom field (rewrites itself), and why getting this wrong wrecks your dataOne pipeline beats five — why segmented pipelines cap your granularity, and how custom fields + tags + stages stack to do the real workLead scoring that runs itself — assign points to actions (email open = 1, application = 3, call booked = 5), and auto-trigger a setter call at a score of 6Speed-to-lead you can actually measure — a workflow that timestamps every lead and counts only during setter working hours, so a Saturday opt-in doesn't blow up your numbers57 smart lists, ranked P1–P5 — how setters work the right leads in the right order and never run dry between fresh leadsAsk for the phone number — "if you won't give me your phone number, you won't give me your credit card," and why fewer, higher-quality leads winPost-call notes (PCN) — auto-dispositioned call notes pulled from the Zoom transcript that update pipeline stages for you, so closers stop skipping the EOD formCash per call by source — the metric that tells you which ads, threads, and posts to make more of (and which to kill)Chapters— Why scaling SDRs is the hardest (and most profitable) thing an agency can do — Who is Dylan Rich: 15 years in sales, done-for-you teams at Systemized Sales — The real problem: a giveaway funnel pulling 100+ emails a week, five siloed lists — How to organize intent leads so setters book more calls per hour — UTMs per post, the Zap into GoHighLevel, and tagging the first click— Live build: one pipeline + custom fields for granularity — Lead categories that follow a contact all the way down the funnel— Tags vs. custom fields: the "tattoo" concept explained — Lead scoring: assigning points to actions and triggering at 6 — The speed-to-lead workflow with 73 million enrollments— Keeping setters organized so they stop thinking and start dialing — 57 smart lists ranked P1–P5, built on filters, not vibes — Why you should ask for a phone number on every opt-in— "Can we blow your socks off?" — the Revphlow post-call attribution demo — PCN, Zoom + Fathom + Slack: clean dispositions on every call — Cash per call by source, by closer, by calendar — Where to find Revphlow and Systemized SalesGo AI-Native in the Next 90 DaysThis episode is the manual setup. The next level is making it run itself.8 Figure Agency installs AI-native systems into 7- and 8-figure marketing agencies — the kind that add $1M in annualized profit. Attribution that tags itself. Pipelines that update without a human touching them. Setters fed the highest-intent leads automatically. If you want your agency AI-native in the next 90 days, start here:→ 8figureagency.coWork With DylanDylan and the Systemized Sales team run your sales process end to end — they listen to your calls, audit your CRM, review your last 90 days of sales and marketing numbers, find your biggest constraint, and fix it.Systemized Sales (done-for-you sales teams): systemizedsales.comRevphlo.com (post-call sales attribution — works with GoHighLevel & HubSpot)Dylan on X: @sdrwhispererTools & Resources MentionedGoHighLevel — the CRM the whole pipeline is built inRevFlow / revphlo.com — post-call attribution and sales analyticsTypeform — opt-in forms (add a hidden UTM source field)Beehiiv — newsletter platform, with email opens webhooked back to GHL for lead scoringHYROS — marketing attribution into the callZoom + Fathom — call recording and transcripts feeding the PCNSlack — where post-call notes drop for closer confirmationVidalytics — VSL view trackingUTM Builder (utmbuilder.net) — Jordan's no-affiliation pick for building UTMs

For our third annual Memorial Day episode, Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Christina Kazakavage, joins us in the studio to tell us about her son, Air Force Technical Sergeant Adam Ginnet, who was killed in Afghanistan by an IED. We talk about her family's long history of service, why Adam chose the Air Force and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and the things that he valued most. We also discuss the arduous process of bringing Adam home, the blessings that have come from his passing, Christina's work with the EOD and Gold Star communities, and her passion for remembering and honoring all those who have served their country.God bless our Gold Star families.Theme song by The Mountain via Pixabay.Support the showhttps://tracerburnout.com/

On this episode, Larry discusses the recent primary elections and the implications of the results. He also talks to a special guest, Tom Sower, a Navy veteran and EOD expert, about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of Taiwan in the global economy. Additionally, Larry discusses the importance of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by our military personnel. Larry also shares a heartwarming story about a young man who was held hostage by Hamas and the power of music to heal and bring people together.Become a Townhall VIP member with promo code "LARRY": https://townhall.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some warriors fight battles long after the war ends. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Marine Corps Veteran Hartvig Holmberg V—a retired Master Sergeant whose 24-year career took him from Light Armored Reconnaissance to the elite world of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Hartvig joined the Marines in 1997 as a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Crewman, serving with the 15th and 13th Marine Expeditionary Units and deploying to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later, he answered another calling. He attended EOD School in Florida, graduating in 2009, and went on to serve with: • Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) • 3rd EOD Company • CLB 26 • MWSS 272 His deployments as an EOD technician included Afghanistan (OEF 13.2) and multiple deployments with the 26th MEU. After retiring in 2021 as a Master Sergeant, Hartvig didn't stop serving. Today he is: • A contract instructor • Part owner of Corvus Training Group V • President of the EOD Motorcycle Club But perhaps his most important mission has been personal. Hartvig openly shares his ongoing healing journey after multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—learning self-awareness, growth, and recovery through programs like Warrior PATHH and Track Heroes. This is a powerful conversation about combat, brotherhood, identity, trauma, healing, and continuing the mission after service.

In episode 245 of the Transition Drill Podcast explore military transition, leadership under pressure, and career reinvention for veterans and first responders navigating life after service. You'll hear Retired Master Sergeant Eric Harmon on the challenge of translating elite skills into the civilian world, and what it takes to build a new mission with real ownership and risk.Eric Harmon grew up in Southern California after spending part of his childhood in Hawaii, raised by a father who served as both a police officer and FBI agent. With no clear plan after high school, he entered the Marine Corps at 18, initially as a military police reservist before quickly committing to active duty. His early career placed him in Iraq, where he worked as part of a security element supporting EOD teams. That exposure shifted his trajectory. Watching those teams operate, he realized he wanted to be the one solving the problem, not just protecting the perimeter.After multiple deployments, Harmon made the transition into Explosive Ordnance Disposal. He approached EOD school with the mindset that it was his version of college, knowing that failure to learn could have real consequences downrange. Over the next 16 years, including time in MARSOC, he operated in high-risk environments where calm decision-making, pattern recognition, and adaptability were critical. He describes how those traits are built through repetition and experience, not personality.His transition out of the military forced a different kind of pressure. Moving into civilian life and eventually starting his own business, Harmon found that the stress shifted from mission execution to total accountability. Without the structure of the military, he became the single point of failure, responsible for every decision, outcome, and setback. That shift tested his leadership, forcing him to adapt how he communicates, manages people, and applies the skills he developed in uniform.Today, he the Game Day Men's Health clinic in Tustin, CA, carrying forward the lessons from EOD into entrepreneurship. Eric also survived a horrific motorcycle crash after getting out of the Marine Corps and starting his business. His story highlights a key reality for transitioning service members. The technical skills may not always transfer directly, but the ability to lead, operate under pressure, and solve problems does. The challenge is learning how to apply them in a completely different environment.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15Blue Line RoastingGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://bluelineroasting.comPromocode: Transition10Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10

What if the worst thing that ever happened to you turned out to be the very thing that made you unstoppable? In this episode, Aaron Hale, retired Army Staff Sergeant, EOD Team Leader, speaker, podcaster, real estate investor, and small business owner, shares one of the most extraordinary stories of resilience you will ever hear. In 2011, an IED blast in Afghanistan took his eyes. Four years later, bacterial meningitis took what was left of his hearing. He is now both blind and deaf, and he just ran 205 miles across Kenya and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, believed to be the first blind-deaf person to ever accomplish that feat. Aaron doesn't call himself a victim. He calls his injuries divine direction. And through his podcast, speaking, and the way he shows up every single day, he is busy proving that the story of your struggle can become the blueprint for someone else's survival.   [00:04:20] Just Back from Africa: The Seed to Summit Trek Ran 205 miles from Mombasa, Kenya to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro over nine days Climbed the tallest peak in Africa, completing a full seed to summit expedition Believes he is the first blind-deaf person to ever accomplish this Fulfilled a plan made 11 years earlier, interrupted by the meningitis that stole his hearing [00:06:20] What He Does Now Speaker, podcaster, real estate investor, and co-owner of Extra Ordinary Delights, an artisan chocolate company Calls himself an excuse killer; uses adversity as fuel, not an anchor Hosts the Point of Impact podcast to show people how to become their best selves [00:09:00] Blind, Deaf, and Still Showing Up Lost his eyes in an IED blast in 2011 while serving as an Army EOD technician Bacterial meningitis in 2015 took the rest of his hearing and destroyed his inner ear balance Uses a cochlear implant connected directly to his auditory nerve to communicate [00:12:20] How He Got Here: From Navy Chef to Army Bomb Technician Got asked to leave college, joined the Navy, and became a chef to a three-star admiral in Italy Left cooking, joined the Army, and became an EOD bomb technician Was on his third deployment when the IED blast happened, just days after seeing his firstborn son turn one [00:14:40] The Relationship That Changed Everything: Kyle Kyle, a fellow EOD team leader, was injured two weeks before Aaron and was already at Walter Reed when Aaron arrived He wheeled into Aaron's room, made him feel the beard he had grown out of defiance, and cracked jokes about his condition He was at full spirit just two weeks after losing a leg That moment showed Aaron he had no excuse to quit; warriors up and down those halls were all still fighting [00:19:20] What Inspires Him: The Gift of a Story In the military, relationships mean survival; you trust the people on your left and right with your life After his injury, he felt like he lost that brotherhood, but it transformed into something new He was given the gift of a story and the ability to flick the light switch on for others Getting to help someone see their situation differently is both altruistic and deeply personally rewarding [00:22:40] The Relationships That Opened the World: Eric Weihenmayer and Lonnie Bedwell Began searching online for blind people living actively: blind plus outdoors, blind plus fitness, blind plus anything Found Eric Weihenmayer, the first blind person to climb all seven summits; went climbing with him in the Peruvian Andes at 19,000 feet Found Lonnie Bedwell, the first blind person to kayak the entire Grand Canyon solo; went kayaking with him too These men took his thinking from a peephole to a bay window; he had been thinking far too small [00:26:00] What That Perspective Unlocked Registered for four marathons before ever running longer than a 10K Three of those qualified him for the Boston Marathon, which he ran in 2015 In 2023 became the first blind-deaf person to finish Badwater 135, the toughest foot race on Earth [00:29:40] The Impact He Got to Make: Kilimanjaro with 25 Friends When he arrived at Kilimanjaro, 25 friends, family, and associates had come to be part of the climb Many had never done anything like it; his story inspired them to say yes A close friend from his military real estate mastermind, someone he had spoken with weekly for years, climbed it right alongside him [00:31:00] Aaron's Marathon Training Day Reached out to Team Red, White and Blue for help training for his first marathon They organized a weekly Sunday run called Aaron's Marathon Training Day, open to anyone at any pace Week after week more people showed up; it outgrew him and became a full community movement He got to be the catalyst; it kept snowballing long after it needed him to carry it   KEY QUOTES "The difference between a rut and a grave is how long you lay there. I did not want to get stuck on the couch." — Aaron Hale "Someday the story of your struggle may be the blueprint for somebody else's survival." — Aaron Hale "We can't control the blast, but we can control the next step. And almost always, we can't accomplish the impossible without a team." — Aaron Hale CONNECT WITH AARON HALE

In this episode of the Career Relaunch® podcast, Luke Parker, a British Army Officer turned Google Cloud delivery executive shares his thoughts on how professional relationships can open doors and the importance of self-marketing during career transitions. I also share my reflections on the state of modern day friendships and glimpses into.my personal story of how people I’ve crossed paths with in life have had a huge influence on my career.

In episode 240 of the Transition Drill Podcast explores military transition, identity, and skill translation for veterans and first responders navigating life after high-tempo service. You'll hear Tod Neal on the loss of tribe, the challenge of making military experience understandable in the civilian world, and what it takes to build a meaningful second chapter without losing yourself in the process.Tod Neal's story starts far from the life he'd eventually build. He grew up in Ruston, Louisiana, spent part of his youth in a children's home, and learned early that structure mattered. After struggling in school, finding direction, and then losing his footing again in college, he joined the Navy in 1991 looking for discipline, purpose, and a better path. What followed wasn't a straight line. He spent his first years in the Navy doing admin work, but kept pushing toward the things that pulled at him most, including diving, shooting, and jobs that demanded more of him than his official title suggested.That drive eventually led him into Navy EOD. After leaving active duty and entering the reserves, 9/11 changed everything. He was called back, went deeper into EOD, and moved from the desk into the fight. He deployed with SEAL teams, served through repeated combat rotations, and built a career around risk, precision, and protecting lives. Along the way, he saw the cost of war up close, not just in combat, but at home. He talks about the toll of multiple deployments, the strain on marriages and families, and the way years of service can quietly take time from your children that you never get back.What makes this conversation hit is that it doesn't stop at the war years. Tod gets into the harder part for a lot of veterans and first responders, figuring out who you are when the uniform comes off. He talks about The Honor Foundation, USC, learning that money and title weren't the real non-negotiables, and realizing that the people you work with matter more than the paycheck. He also gets brutally honest about transition itself. You can have technical skill, leadership, problem solving, and years of experience, but if you can't translate it, civilian employers won't see it. If you can't manage your ego, you'll make the process even harder. And if you don't build a new tribe on purpose, you can end up isolated fast.This is a grounded conversation about service, humility, transition, and learning how to carry your experience forward without expecting the next chapter to look like the last one.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15Blue Line RoastingGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://bluelineroasting.comPromocode: Transition10Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10

Send us Fan MailPeaches goes solo and unleashes pure unfiltered Ones Ready energy. From Air Force football to government shutdowns, from bogus “Qatari base” conspiracies to the Air Force's mental health meltdown — no topic is safe. He rips into how the military's obsession with “self-care” is starting to sound like a therapy group for quitters, why shark attacks and blood wings need to come back, and how infrastructure and leadership have both gone to hell. If you're tired of the soft, sanitized version of service life everyone's selling… this episode's your reality check. Buckle up, snowflakes.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Peaches flies solo: Trent's on vacation, Aaron's on dad duty 02:30 – Air Force vs. UNLV: No defense, all chaos 03:45 – The fake “Qatari Air Base” freakout: calm down, patriots 09:50 – True North mental health program—budget cuts or common sense? 14:45 – Have we gone too far with mental health? Peaches says hell yes 19:50 – Quitting and calling it “self-care” isn't courage 23:40 – The therapy-industrial complex and buzzword bingo 26:00 – POTFF: the one mental health program that actually works 28:00 – Why benching 225 makes you a god among mortals 30:00 – Government shutdown: troops still getting paid (for now) 33:00 – Military infrastructure is falling apart—literally 35:00 – Shark attacks are back, and Peaches loves it 39:00 – Fewer PCS moves: smart retention or lazy policy? 46:30 – Time to close useless bases and stop pretending it's about “the economy” 48:30 – Cold coffee, EOD chaos, and Peaches signs off

//The Wire//2300Z March 17, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: ATTACKS CONTINUE IN BAGHDAD AS FPV DRONES BEGIN MORE FREQUENT USE IN IRAQ. IED DISCOVERED AT MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE IN FLORIDA. COUNTERTERRORISM CENTER DIRECTOR RESIGNS IN PROTEST OF WAR.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----  -International Events-Persian Gulf: Over the past few days, conflict within Baghdad has become more significant, as Iranian-backed militia groups concentrate attacks on the Green Zone. Last night the Al-Rashid Hotel was hit by an Iranian drone, and another FPV drone incident was reported as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) continue conducting reconnaissance of the American Embassy compound, which usually results in drone attacks later on that night. These attacks have continued to be a daily occurrence, with sensitive sites at the Embassy compound being struck over the past few days.-HomeFront-Florida: Yesterday one of the Entry Control Points (ECPs) at MacDill Air Force Base was shut down due to a suspicious package being discovered at the Visitor's Center. After some time, EOD personnel cleared the device, and operations returned to normal.Analyst Comment: Officially, no comment has been made on this incident beyond the brief lockdown. As suspicious package incidents are extremely common nowadays, usually nothing comes of it. However in this case, a photo of the suspicious package circulated on social media, which indicates that this was a legitimate IED and not just a lost bag. Whether or not it was actually a viable device is anyone's guess, but the photo of the alleged device indicates that the fuze was lit, only sputtering out on it's own. So clearly somebody tried to blow something up, regardless of the failure to detonate. As a result, this is another important reminder of the threats that remain constant throughout American society, as the war in the Middle East inflames tensions at home.Washington D.C. - This morning the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, resigned from his position in protest of the continuing war in Iran, stating that he "cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: While all resignations in protest will sharply divide sentiment for and against, many arguments are being undertaken as people speak without thinking first. The fiery resignation letter is now functionally a Rorschach Test...people who make policy decisions will see what they want to see in it, and divide themselves accordingly. Disparaging comments attacking one's character that come out only after a public opinion is expressed are not the best indicator for what is really going on behind the scenes, but nevertheless that's exactly what ends up happening among those who are making decisions regarding the war. What is undeniable is that such a high-profile resignation right now is extremely important, and might be an indicator of future events.Regardless of the politics in play, (and taking personal feelings out of the situation entirely), when one of the main players in the US Intelligence Community resigns right now, at this present time, this is probably an indicator of far more serious developments coming down the pipeline. Senior resignations of this nature in any nation are quite rare, and hard-hitting resignation letters are rarer still. Nobody resigns because they think the war will be over anytime soon, and Kent (being the second-highest-ranking individual in the Intelligence Community) would have had the access to know information pertaining to future events that have not been made public. Due to this context, this could be an early indicator of what decisions have quietly been made behind closed doors, which have not yet come

Ever find yourself wiped out but your brain just won't quit? You're not alone. Most women juggle work, training, family, and life — and it feels like the day never really ends. That's why Johan is breaking down the exact end-of-day ritual he uses (and teaches clients) to help you actually switch off, sleep better, and show up for what matters.In this episode, Johan gets real about why you're exhausted but still wired at night, why most coaching isn't just about food and workouts, and how a simple daily ritual can help you leave work at work.Here's what you'll learn:Why your nervous system needs a clear “day is done” signalThe step-by-step EOD ritual: box breathing, tomorrow's calendar, top 3 tasks, quick journalingHow reflecting on wins and effort helps you reset for tomorrowWhy your ritual doesn't have to look like Johan's — and how to make it your ownThe one action step you can start today to finally shut off your brain at nightWant to learn more about coaching 1:1 and learn how the OCS Process can help you too, finally reach your long-term goals? DM "COACH" to @johanvesters_ocs on Instagram now for a free Strategy Call! --- Brought to you by Odyssey Coaching Systems @johanvesters_ocs on Instagram www.odysseycoachingsystems.co johan@odysseycoachingsystems.co

Send a textThis Daily Drop hits heroism, policy shifts, and geopolitical tension in one tight package.President Trump presented the Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover for extraordinary heroism during the Maduro raid. The 160th SOAR pilot was wounded under fire and still completed the mission. It's the kind of quiet professionalism the Night Stalkers are known for—even if he'd rather not be in the spotlight.The Army is experimenting with auction-style retention bonuses for senior warrant officers. The Navy's EOD teams are training in extreme Arctic conditions. The Coast Guard is intercepting migrant vessels while dealing with funding uncertainty.The VA has indefinitely paused the controversial disability ratings rule that would have factored medication effects into compensation decisions. That story isn't over.Meanwhile, Japan is bolstering air defenses near Taiwan, and satellite imagery shows a new Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine entering the fleet.Operational tempo isn't slowing down.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 Medal of Honor for Maduro raid pilot 05:00 Warrant officer “auction-style” retention bonuses 07:00 Fort Bliss sentencing 09:00 Navy EOD Arctic training 11:00 Air Force line-of-duty policy update 13:00 Coast Guard migrant interceptions 15:00 VA disability rule on hold 17:00 Pentagon anomalous health team realignment 19:00 State of the Union honors 21:00 Iran tensions and military buildup 23:00 Japan air defense near Taiwan 25:00 China's new nuclear submarine

Send a textJoin us for the 3nd interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health. In this conversation, Ron Minton, a member of the United States Navy and EOD tech, shares his experiences and insights on resilience, community, and mental health challenges faced by service members. He discusses the importance of support systems, coping strategies, and the impact of loss and suicide within the military community. Ron emphasizes the need for self-care and encourages others to seek help while redefining the concept of success and failure in their lives.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textJoin us for the 4th interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health. In this conversation Chris shares his unique experiences in the military, including his time at the White House and his emotional journey dealing with the challenges of his profession. He discusses the importance of mental health, coping mechanisms like acting and writing, and offers advice to fellow EOD technicians who may be struggling. Chris emphasizes the need for continuous learning and self-improvement in both military and personal life.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textJoin us for the 5th interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health.In this conversation, Steven Wilkes shares his experiences as an EOD technician in the Army, discussing the challenges and triumphs of his military career. He opens up about his struggles with mental health, the impact of suicide within the EOD community, and his journey towards recovery. Steven emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues and breaking the stigma surrounding therapy in the military.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textJoin us for the 8th interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health.In this conversation, John Clem shares his journey as an EOD technician, highlighting his military career, personal struggles with alcohol and mental health, and the importance of community support. He emphasizes the significance of therapy and reaching out for help, especially in the wake of suicide and mental health challenges faced by veterans. John encourages others to share their experiences and seek support, reinforcing that everyone's journey is valid and deserving of attention.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textJoin us for the final interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health.In this conversation, Jerry Shelton, a retired Air Force EOD technician, reflects on his 30-year career, discussing the evolution of his service from the Cold War to modern conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of camaraderie in the EOD community and shares his personal experiences with mental health, trauma, and coping strategies. Shelton advocates for community support and open communication among veterans, highlighting the significance of connection in overcoming struggles. He also discusses the benefits of transcendental meditation and encourages others to reach out for help, promoting a message of resilience and optimism in the face of challenges.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textIn this episode Maria interviews Brittany Younker, the newest member of the EOD Warrior Foundation team. Brittany shares her journey from a small town in New Mexico to serving in the Army National Guard and transitioning to active duty. She discusses her motivations for joining the military, her experiences as a military police officer, and her eventual role as a logistics officer. Brittany also shares her personal story of meeting her husband, an EOD technician, and her excitement about joining the EOD community. The conversation highlights her family life, including her four boys and a new baby on the way, as well as her role at the EOD Warrior Foundation, where she will be working to support fellow veterans.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and moves fast through a heavy slate. The Army looks to lease installation land for commercial AI data centers, trains leaders on drones and robots at Fort Benning, and deals with a soldier receiving life for murder. There's speculation swirling around restricted airspace in El Paso, a $5.2M “Bumblebee” drone-bashing system, and Hawaii storm shutdowns. The Navy pushes unmanned swarms and AI-enabled fleet concepts while recognizing top surface warfare officers. The Marines quietly notch their third clean financial audit and debate staying on Okinawa. The Air Force expands border supervision, moves F-35As toward CENTCOM, and hosts a Special Air Warfare Symposium. SECDEF warns EOD techs about uploading sensitive data to generative AI. POTUS approves 200 troops to Nigeria. Meanwhile, China fields long-range anti-ship missiles, Algeria receives Su-57s, South Korea loses Cobra pilots, and seized cartel ammo traces back to a U.S. Army plant. Context. Not conspiracy.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and Daily Drop kickoff 01:00 Army leasing land for AI data centers 03:00 Soldier sentenced for murder 04:45 Drone training at Fort Benning 05:30 El Paso restricted airspace speculation 06:50 Bumblebee drone-bashing system 07:20 Hawaii storm cancellations 08:00 Navy surface warfare awards 08:40 AI vision for Golden Fleet 09:30 Unmanned swarms management 10:30 Marine Corps clean audit 11:30 Okinawa presence debate 12:30 OTS Alabama plug 13:20 Air Force border supervision expansion 14:00 F-35A movement toward CENTCOM 14:40 Special Air Warfare Symposium 15:20 SECDEF AI data warning 16:10 200 troops approved to Nigeria 17:00 Chinese carrier-based anti-ship missile 18:00 Russian Su-57s delivered to Algeria 18:40 South Korean Cobra crash 19:20 Cartel ammo traced to Missouri plant 20:00 Wrap-up

TLDR: It was Claude :-)When I set out to compare ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and ChatPRD for writing Product Requirement Documents, I figured they'd all be roughly equivalent. Maybe some subtle variations in tone or structure, but nothing earth-shattering. They're all built on similar transformer architectures, trained on massive datasets, and marketed as capable of handling complex business writing.What I discovered over 45 minutes of hands-on testing revealed not just which tools are better for PRD creation, but why they're better, and more importantly, how you should actually be using AI to accelerate your product work without sacrificing quality or strategic thinking.If you're an early or mid-career PM in Silicon Valley, this matters to you. Because here's the uncomfortable truth: your peers are already using AI to write PRDs, analyze features, and generate documentation. The question isn't whether to use these tools. The question is whether you're using the right ones most effectively.So let me walk you through exactly what I did, what I learned, and what you should do differently.The Setup: A Real-World Test CaseHere's how I structured the experiment. As I said at the beginning of my recording, “We are back in the Fireside PM podcast and I did that review of the ChatGPT browser and people seemed to like it and then I asked, uh, in a poll, I think it was a LinkedIn poll maybe, what should my next PM product review be? And, people asked for ChatPRD.”So I had my marching orders from the audience. But I wanted to make this more comprehensive than just testing ChatPRD in isolation. I opened up five tabs: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and ChatPRD.For the test case, I chose something realistic and relevant: an AI-powered tutor for high school students. Think KhanAmigo or similar edtech platforms. This gave me a concrete product scenario that's complex enough to stress-test these tools but straightforward enough that I could iterate quickly.But here's the critical part that too many PMs get wrong when they start using AI for product work: I didn't just throw a single sentence at these tools and expect magic.The “Back of the Napkin” Approach: Why You Still Need to Think“I presume everybody agrees that you should have some formulated thinking before you dump it into the chatbot for your PRD,” I noted early in my experiment. “I suppose in the future maybe you could just do, like, a one-sentence prompt and come out with the perfect PRD because it would just know everything about you and your company in the context, but for now we're gonna do this more, a little old-school AI approach where we're gonna do some original human thinking.”This is crucial. I see so many PMs, especially those newer to the field, treat AI like a magic oracle. They type in “Write me a PRD for a social feature” and then wonder why the output is generic, unfocused, and useless.Your job as a PM isn't to become obsolete. It's to become more effective. And that means doing the strategic thinking work that AI cannot do for you.So I started in Google Docs with what I call a “back of the napkin” PRD structure. Here's what I included:Why: The strategic rationale. In this case: “Want to complement our existing edtech business with a personalized AI tutor, uh, want to maintain position industry, and grow through innovation. on mission for learners.”Target User: Who are we building for? “High school students interested in improving their grades and fundamentals. Fundamental knowledge topics. Specifically science and math. Students who are not in the top ten percent, nor in the bottom ten percent.”This is key—I got specific. Not just “students,” but students in the middle 80%. Not just “any subject,” but science and math. This specificity is what separates useful AI output from garbage.Problem to Solve: What's broken? “Students want better grades. Students are impatient. Students currently use AI just for finding the answers and less to, uh, understand concepts and practice using them.”Key Elements: The feature set and approach.Success Metrics: How we'd measure success.Now, was this a perfectly polished PRD outline? Hell no. As you can see from my transcript, I was literally thinking out loud, making typos, restructuring on the fly. But that's exactly the point. I put in maybe 10-15 minutes of human strategic thinking. That's all it took to create a foundation that would dramatically improve what came out of the AI tools.Round One: Generating the Full PRDWith my back-of-the-napkin outline ready, I copied it into each tool with a simple prompt asking them to expand it into a more complete PRD.ChatGPT: The Reliable GeneralistChatGPT gave me something that was... fine. Competent. Professional. But also deeply uninspiring.The document it produced checked all the boxes. It had the sections you'd expect. The writing was clear. But when I read it, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was reading something that could have been written for literally any product in any company. It felt like “an average of everything out there,” as I noted in my evaluation.Here's what ChatGPT did well: It understood the basic structure of a PRD. It generated appropriate sections. The grammar and formatting were clean. If you needed to hand something in by EOD and had literally no time for refinement, ChatGPT would save you from complete embarrassment.But here's what it lacked: Depth. Nuance. Strategic thinking that felt connected to real product decisions. When it described the target user, it used phrases that could apply to any edtech product. When it outlined success metrics, they were the obvious ones (engagement, retention, test scores) without any interesting thinking about leading indicators or proxy metrics.The problem with generic output isn't that it's wrong, it's that it's invisible. When you're trying to get buy-in from leadership or alignment from engineering, you need your PRD to feel specific, considered, and connected to your company's actual strategy. ChatGPT's output felt like it was written by someone who'd read a lot of PRDs but never actually shipped a product.One specific example: When I asked for success metrics, ChatGPT gave me “Student engagement rate, Time spent on platform, Test score improvement.” These aren't wrong, but they're lazy. They don't show any thinking about what specifically matters for an AI tutor versus any other educational product. Compare that to Claude's output, which got more specific about things like “concept mastery rate” and “question-to-understanding ratio.”Actionable Insight: Use ChatGPT when you need fast, serviceable documentation that doesn't need to be exceptional. Think: internal updates, status reports, routine communications. Don't rely on it for strategic documents where differentiation matters. If you do use ChatGPT for important documents, treat its output as a starting point that needs significant human refinement to add strategic depth and company-specific context.Gemini: Better Than ExpectedGoogle's Gemini actually impressed me more than I anticipated. The structure was solid, and it had a nice balance of detail without being overwhelming.What Gemini got right: The writing had a nice flow to it. The document felt organized and logical. It did a better job than ChatGPT at providing specific examples and thinking through edge cases. For instance, when describing the target user, it went beyond demographics to consider behavioral characteristics and motivations.Gemini also showed some interesting strategic thinking. It considered competitive positioning more thoughtfully than ChatGPT and proposed some differentiation angles that weren't in my original outline. Good AI tools should add insight, not just regurgitate your input with better formatting.But here's where it fell short: the visual elements. When I asked for mockups, Gemini produced images that looked more like stock photos than actual product designs. They weren't terrible, but they weren't compelling either. They had that AI-generated sheen that makes it obvious they came from an image model rather than a designer's brain.For a PRD that you're going to use internally with a team that already understands the context, Gemini's output would work well. The text quality is strong enough, and if you're in the Google ecosystem (Docs, Sheets, Meet, etc.), the integration is seamless. You can paste Gemini's output directly into Google Docs and continue iterating there.But if you need to create something compelling enough to win over skeptics or secure budget, Gemini falls just short. It's good, but not great. It's the solid B+ student: reliably competent but rarely exceptional.Actionable Insight: Gemini is a strong choice if you're working in the Google ecosystem and need good integration with Docs, Sheets, and other Google Workspace tools. The quality is sufficient for most internal documentation needs. It's particularly good if you're working with cross-functional partners who are already in Google Workspace. You can share and collaborate on AI-generated drafts without friction. But don't expect visual mockups that will wow anyone, and plan to add your own strategic polish for high-stakes documents.Grok: Not Ready for Prime TimeLet's just say my expectations were low, and Grok still managed to underdeliver. The PRD felt thin, generic, and lacked the depth you need for real product work.“I don't have high expectations for grok, unfortunately,” I said before testing it. Spoiler alert: my low expectations were validated.Actionable Insight: Skip Grok for product documentation work right now. Maybe it'll improve, but as of my testing, it's simply not competitive with the other options. It felt like 1-2 years behind the others.ChatPRD: The Specialized ToolNow this was interesting. ChatPRD is purpose-built for PRDs, using foundational models underneath but with specific tuning and structure for product documentation.The result? The structure was logical, the depth was appropriate, and it included elements that showed understanding of what actually matters in a PRD. As I reflected: “Cause this one feels like, A human wrote this PRD.”The interface guides you through the process more deliberately than just dumping text into a general chat interface. It asks clarifying questions. It structures the output more thoughtfully.Actionable Insight: If you're a technical lead without a dedicated PM, or you're a PM who wants a more structured approach to using AI for PRDs, ChatPRD is worth the specialized focus. It's particularly good when you need something that feels authentic enough to share with stakeholders without heavy editing.Claude: The Clear WinnerBut the standout performer, and I'm ranking these, was Claude.“I think we know that for now, I'm gonna say Claude did the best job,” I concluded after all the testing. Claude produced the most comprehensive, thoughtful, and strategically sound PRD. But what really set it apart were the concept mocks.When I asked each tool to generate visual mockups of the product, Claude produced HTML prototypes that, while not fully functional, looked genuinely compelling. They had thoughtful UI design, clear information architecture, and felt like something that could actually guide development.“They were, like, closer to, like, what a Lovable would produce or something like that,” I noted, referring to the quality of low-fidelity prototypes that good designers create.The text quality was also superior: more nuanced, better structured, and with more strategic depth. It felt like Claude understood not just what a PRD should contain, but why it should contain those elements.Actionable Insight: For any PRD that matters, meaning anything you'll share with leadership, use to get buy-in, or guide actual product development, you might as well start with Claude. The quality difference is significant enough that it's worth using Claude even if you primarily use another tool for other tasks.Final Rankings: The Definitive HierarchyAfter testing all five tools on multiple dimensions: initial PRD generation, visual mockups, and even crafting a pitch paragraph for a skeptical VP of Engineering, here's my final ranking:* Claude - Best overall quality, most compelling mockups, strongest strategic thinking* ChatPRD - Best for structured PRD creation, feels most “human”* Gemini - Solid all-around performance, good Google integration* ChatGPT - Reliable but generic, lacks differentiation* Grok - Not competitive for this use case“I'd probably say Claude, then chat PRD, then Gemini, then chat GPT, and then Grock,” I concluded.The Deeper Lesson: Garbage In, Garbage Out (Still Applies)But here's what matters more than which tool wins: the realization that hit me partway through this experiment.“I think it really does come down to, like, you know, the quality of the prompt,” I observed. “So if our prompt were a little more detailed, all that were more thought-through, then I'm sure the output would have been better. But as you can see we didn't really put in brain trust prompting here. Just a little bit of, kind of hand-wavy prompting, but a little better than just one or two sentences.”And we still got pretty good results.This is the meta-insight that should change how you approach AI tools in your product work: The quality of your input determines the quality of your output, but the baseline quality of the tool determines the ceiling of what's possible.No amount of great prompting will make Grok produce Claude-level output. But even mediocre prompting with Claude will beat great prompting with lesser tools.So the dual strategy is:* Use the best tool available (currently Claude for PRDs)* Invest in improving your prompting skills ideally with as much original and insightful human, company aware, and context aware thinking as possible.Real-World Workflows: How to Actually Use This in Your Day-to-Day PM WorkTheory is great. Here's how to incorporate these insights into your actual product management workflows.The Weekly Sprint Planning WorkflowEvery PM I know spends hours each week preparing for sprint planning. You need to refine user stories, clarify acceptance criteria, anticipate engineering questions, and align with design and data science. AI can compress this work significantly.Here's an example workflow:Monday morning (30 minutes):* Review upcoming priorities and open your rough notes/outline in Google Docs* Open Claude and paste your outline with this prompt:“I'm preparing for sprint planning. Based on these priorities [paste notes], generate detailed user stories with acceptance criteria. Format each as: User story, Business context, Technical considerations, Acceptance criteria, Dependencies, Open questions.”Monday afternoon (20 minutes):* Review Claude's output critically* Identify gaps, unclear requirements, or missing context* Follow up with targeted prompts:“The user story about authentication is too vague. Break it down into separate stories for: social login, email/password, session management, and password reset. For each, specify security requirements and edge cases.”Tuesday morning (15 minutes):* Generate mockups for any UI-heavy stories:“Create an HTML mockup for the login flow showing: landing page, social login options, email/password form, error states, and success redirect.”* Even if the HTML doesn't work perfectly, it gives your designers a starting pointBefore sprint planning (10 minutes):* Ask Claude to anticipate engineering questions:“Review these user stories as if you're a senior engineer. What questions would you ask? What concerns would you raise about technical feasibility, dependencies, or edge cases?”* This preparation makes you look thoughtful and helps the meeting run smoothlyTotal time investment: ~75 minutes. Typical time saved: 3-4 hours compared to doing this manually.The Stakeholder Alignment WorkflowGetting alignment from multiple stakeholders (product leadership, engineering, design, data science, legal, marketing) is one of the hardest parts of PM work. AI can help you think through different stakeholder perspectives and craft compelling communications for each.Here's how:Step 1: Map your stakeholders (10 minutes)Create a quick table in a doc:Stakeholder | Primary Concern | Decision Criteria | Likely Objections VP Product | Strategic fit, ROI | Company OKRs, market opportunity | Resource allocation vs other priorities VP Eng | Technical risk, capacity | Engineering capacity, tech debt | Complexity, unclear requirements Design Lead | User experience | User research, design principles | Timeline doesn't allow proper design process Legal | Compliance, risk | Regulatory requirements | Data privacy, user consent flowsStep 2: Generate stakeholder-specific communications (20 minutes)For each key stakeholder, ask Claude:“I need to pitch this product idea to [Stakeholder]. Based on this PRD, create a 1-page brief addressing their primary concern of [concern from your table]. Open with the specific value for them, address their likely objection of [objection], and close with a clear ask. Tone should be [professional/technical/strategic] based on their role.”Then you'll have customized one-pagers for your pre-meetings with each stakeholder, dramatically increasing your alignment rate.Step 3: Synthesize feedback (15 minutes)After gathering stakeholder input, ask Claude to help you synthesize:“I got the following feedback from stakeholders: [paste feedback]. Identify: (1) Common themes, (2) Conflicting requirements, (3) Legitimate concerns vs organizational politics, (4) Recommended compromises that might satisfy multiple parties.”This pattern-matching across stakeholder feedback is something AI does really well and saves you hours of mental processing.The Quarterly Planning WorkflowQuarterly or annual planning is where product strategy gets real. You need to synthesize market trends, customer feedback, technical capabilities, and business objectives into a coherent roadmap. AI can accelerate this dramatically.Six weeks before planning:* Start collecting input (customer interviews, market research, competitive analysis, engineering feedback)* Don't wait until the last minuteFour weeks before planning:Dump everything into Claude with this structure:“I'm creating our Q2 roadmap. Context:* Business objectives: [paste from leadership]* Customer feedback themes: [paste synthesis]* Technical capabilities/constraints: [paste from engineering]* Competitive landscape: [paste analysis]* Current product gaps: [paste from your analysis]Generate 5 strategic themes that could anchor our Q2 roadmap. For each theme:* Strategic rationale (how it connects to business objectives)* Key initiatives (2-3 major features/projects)* Success metrics* Resource requirements (rough estimate)* Risks and mitigations* Customer segments addressed”This gives you a strategic framework to react to rather than starting from a blank page.Three weeks before planning:Iterate on the most promising themes:“Deep dive on Theme 3. Generate:* Detailed initiative breakdown* Dependencies on platform/infrastructure* Phasing options (MVP vs full build)* Go-to-market considerations* Data requirements* Open questions requiring research”Two weeks before planning:Pressure-test your thinking:“Play devil's advocate on this roadmap. What are the strongest arguments against each initiative? What am I likely missing? What failure modes should I plan for?”This adversarial prompting forces you to strengthen weak points before your leadership reviews it.One week before planning:Generate your presentation:“Create an executive presentation for this roadmap. Structure: (1) Market context and strategic imperative, (2) Q2 themes and initiatives, (3) Expected outcomes and metrics, (4) Resource requirements, (5) Key risks and mitigations, (6) Success criteria for decision. Make it compelling but data-driven. Tone: confident but not overselling.”Then add your company-specific context, visual brand, and personal voice.The Customer Research WorkflowAI can't replace talking to customers, but it can help you prepare better questions, analyze feedback more systematically, and identify patterns faster.Before customer interviews:“I'm interviewing customers about [topic]. Generate:* 10 open-ended questions that avoid leading the witness* 5 follow-up questions for each main question* Common cognitive biases I should watch for* A framework for categorizing responses”This prep work helps you conduct better interviews.After interviews:“I conducted 15 customer interviews. Here are the key quotes: [paste anonymized quotes]. Identify:* Recurring themes and patterns* Surprising insights that contradict our assumptions* Segments with different needs* Implied needs customers didn't articulate directly* Recommended next steps for validation”AI is excellent at pattern-matching across qualitative data at scale.The Crisis Management WorkflowSomething broke. The site is down. Data was lost. A feature shipped with a critical bug. You need to move fast.Immediate response (5 minutes):“Critical incident. Details: [brief description]. Generate:* Incident classification (Sev 1-4)* Immediate stakeholders to notify* Draft customer communication (honest, apologetic, specific about what happened and what we're doing)* Draft internal communication for leadership* Key questions to ask engineering during investigation”Having these drafted in 5 minutes lets you focus on coordination and decision-making rather than wordsmithing.Post-incident (30 minutes):“Write a post-mortem based on this incident timeline: [paste timeline]. Include:* What happened (technical details)* Root cause analysis* Impact quantification (users affected, revenue impact, time to resolution)* What went well in our response* What could have been better* Specific action items with owners and deadlines* Process changes to prevent recurrence Tone: Blameless, focused on learning and improvement.”This gives you a strong first draft to refine with your team.Common Pitfalls: What Not to Do with AI in Product ManagementNow let's talk about the mistakes I see PMs making with AI tools. Pitfall #1: Treating AI Output as FinalThe biggest mistake is copy-pasting AI output directly into your PRD, roadmap presentation, or stakeholder email without critical review.The result? Documents that are grammatically perfect but strategically shallow. Presentations that sound impressive but don't hold up under questioning. Emails that are professionally worded but miss the subtext of organizational politics.The fix: Always ask yourself:* Does this reflect my actual strategic thinking, or generic best practices?* Would my CEO/engineering lead/biggest customer find this compelling and specific?* Are there company-specific details, customer insights, or technical constraints that only I know?* Does this sound like me, or like a robot?Add those elements. That's where your value as a PM comes through.Pitfall #2: Using AI as a Crutch Instead of a ToolSome PMs use AI because they don't want to think deeply about the product. They're looking for AI to do the hard work of strategy, prioritization, and trade-off analysis.This never works. AI can help you think more systematically, but it can't replace thinking.If you find yourself using AI to avoid wrestling with hard questions (”Should we build X or Y?” “What's our actual competitive advantage?” “Why would customers switch from the incumbent?”), you're using it wrong.The fix: Use AI to explore options, not to make decisions. Generate three alternatives, pressure-test each one, then use your judgment to decide. The AI can help you think through implications, but you're still the one choosing.Pitfall #3: Not IteratingGetting mediocre AI output and just accepting it is a waste of the technology's potential.The PMs who get exceptional results from AI are the ones who iterate. They generate an initial response, identify what's weak or missing, and ask follow-up questions. They might go through 5-10 iterations on a key section of a PRD.Each iteration is quick (30 seconds to type a follow-up prompt, 30 seconds to read the response), but the cumulative effect is dramatically better output.The fix: Budget time for iteration. Don't try to generate a complete, polished PRD in one prompt. Instead, generate a rough draft, then spend 30 minutes iterating on specific sections that matter most.Pitfall #4: Ignoring the Political and Human ContextAI tools have no understanding of organizational politics, interpersonal relationships, or the specific humans you're working with.They don't know that your VP of Engineering is burned out and skeptical of any new initiatives. They don't know that your CEO has a personal obsession with a specific competitor. They don't know that your lead designer is sensitive about not being included early enough in the process.If you use AI-generated communications without layering in this human context, you'll create perfectly worded documents that land badly because they miss the subtext.The fix: After generating AI content, explicitly ask yourself: “What human context am I missing? What relationships do I need to consider? What political dynamics are in play?” Then modify the AI output accordingly.Pitfall #5: Over-Relying on a Single ToolDifferent AI tools have different strengths. Claude is great for strategic depth, ChatPRD is great for structure, Gemini integrates well with Google Workspace.If you only ever use one tool, you're missing opportunities to leverage different strengths for different tasks.The fix: Keep 2-3 tools in your toolkit. Use Claude for important PRDs and strategic documents. Use Gemini for quick internal documentation that needs to integrate with Google Docs. Use ChatPRD when you want more guided structure. Match the tool to the task.Pitfall #6: Not Fact-Checking AI OutputAI tools hallucinate. They make up statistics, misrepresent competitors, and confidently state things that aren't true. If you include those hallucinations in a PRD that goes to leadership, you look incompetent.The fix: Fact-check everything, especially:* Statistics and market data* Competitive feature claims* Technical capabilities and limitations* Regulatory and compliance requirementsIf the AI cites a number or makes a factual claim, verify it independently before including it in your document.The Meta-Skill: Prompt Engineering for PMsLet's zoom out and talk about the underlying skill that makes all of this work: prompt engineering.This is a real skill. The difference between a mediocre prompt and a great prompt can be 10x difference in output quality. And unlike coding or design, where there's a steep learning curve, prompt engineering is something you can get good at quickly.Principle 1: Provide Context Before InstructionsBad prompt:“Write a PRD for an AI tutor”Good prompt:“I'm a PM at an edtech company with 2M users, primarily high school students. We're exploring an AI tutor feature to complement our existing video content library and practice problems. Our main competitors are Khan Academy and Course Hero. Our differentiation is personalized learning paths based on student performance data.Write a PRD for an AI tutor feature targeting students in the middle 80% academically who struggle with science and math.”The second prompt gives Claude the context it needs to generate something specific and strategic rather than generic.Principle 2: Specify Format and ConstraintsBad prompt:“Generate success metrics”Good prompt:“Generate 5-7 success metrics for this feature. Include a mix of:* Leading indicators (early signals of success)* Lagging indicators (definitive success measures)* User behavior metrics* Business impact metricsFor each metric, specify: name, definition, target value, measurement method, and why it matters.”The structure you provide shapes the structure you get back.Principle 3: Ask for Multiple OptionsBad prompt:“What should our Q2 priorities be?”Good prompt:“Generate 3 different strategic approaches for Q2:* Option A: Focus on user acquisition* Option B: Focus on engagement and retention* Option C: Focus on monetizationFor each option, detail: key initiatives, expected outcomes, resource requirements, risks, and recommendation for or against.”Asking for multiple options forces the AI (and forces you) to think through trade-offs systematically.Principle 4: Specify Audience and ToneBad prompt:“Summarize this PRD”Good prompt:“Create a 1-paragraph summary of this PRD for our skeptical VP of Engineering. Tone: Technical, concise, addresses engineering concerns upfront. Focus on: technical architecture, resource requirements, risks, and expected engineering effort. Avoid marketing language.”The audience and tone specification ensures the output will actually work for your intended use.Principle 5: Use Iterative RefinementDon't try to get perfect output in one prompt. Instead:First prompt: Generate rough draft Second prompt: “This is too generic. Add specific examples from [our company context].” Third prompt: “The technical section is weak. Expand with architecture details and dependencies.” Fourth prompt: “Good. Now make it 30% more concise while keeping the key details.”Each iteration improves the output incrementally.Let me break down the prompting approach that worked in this experiment, because this is immediately actionable for your work tomorrow.Strategy 1: The Structured Outline ApproachDon't go from zero to full PRD in one prompt. Instead:* Start with strategic thinking - Spend 10-15 minutes outlining why you're building this, who it's for, and what problem it solves* Get specific - Don't say “users,” say “high school students in the middle 80% of academic performance”* Include constraints - Budget, timeline, technical limitations, competitive landscape* Dump your outline into the AI - Now ask it to expand into a full PRD* Iterate section by section - Don't try to perfect everything at onceThis is exactly what I did in my experiment, and even with my somewhat sloppy outline, the results were dramatically better than they would have been with a single-sentence prompt.Strategy 2: The Comparative Analysis PatternOne technique I used that worked particularly well: asking each tool to do the same specific task and comparing results.For example, I asked all five tools: “Please compose a one paragraph exact summary I can share over DM with a highly influential VP of engineering who is generally a skeptic but super smart.”This forced each tool to synthesize the entire PRD into a compelling pitch while accounting for a specific, challenging audience. The variation in quality was revealing—and it gave me multiple options to choose from or blend together.Actionable tip: When you need something critical (a pitch, an executive summary, a key decision framework), generate it with 2-3 different AI tools and take the best elements from each. This “ensemble approach” often produces better results than any single tool.Strategy 3: The Iterative Refinement LoopDon't treat the AI output as final. Use it as a first draft that you then refine through conversation with the AI.After getting the initial PRD, I could have asked follow-up questions like:* “What's missing from this PRD?”* “How would you strengthen the success metrics section?”* “Generate 3 alternative approaches to the core feature set”Each iteration improves the output and, more importantly, forces me to think more deeply about the product.What This Means for Your CareerIf you're an early or mid-career PM reading this, you might be thinking: “Great, so AI can write PRDs now. Am I becoming obsolete?”Absolutely not. But your role is evolving, and understanding that evolution is critical.The PMs who will thrive in the AI era are those who:* Excel at strategic thinking - AI can generate options, but you need to know which options align with company strategy, customer needs, and technical feasibility* Master the art of prompting - This is a genuine skill that separates mediocre AI users from exceptional ones* Know when to use AI and when not to - Some aspects of product work benefit enormously from AI. Others (user interviews, stakeholder negotiation, cross-functional relationship building) require human judgment and empathy* Can evaluate AI output critically - You need to spot the hallucinations, the generic fluff, and the strategic misalignments that AI inevitably producesThink of AI tools as incredibly capable interns. They can produce impressive work quickly, but they need direction, oversight, and strategic guidance. Your job is to provide that guidance while leveraging their speed and breadth.The Real-World Application: What to Do Monday MorningLet's get tactical. Here's exactly how to apply these insights to your actual product work:For Your Next PRD:* Block 30 minutes for strategic thinking - Write your back-of-the-napkin outline in Google Docs or your tool of choice* Open Claude (or ChatPRD if you want more structure)* Copy your outline with this prompt:“I'm a product manager at [company] working on [product area]. I need to create a comprehensive PRD based on this outline. Please expand this into a complete PRD with the following sections: [list your preferred sections]. Make it detailed enough for engineering to start breaking down into user stories, but concise enough for leadership to read in 15 minutes. [Paste your outline]”* Review the output critically - Look for generic statements, missing details, or strategic misalignments* Iterate on specific sections:“The success metrics section is too vague. Please provide 3-5 specific, measurable KPIs with target values and explanation of why these metrics matter.”* Generate supporting materials:“Create a visual mockup of the core user flow showing the key interaction points.”* Synthesize the best elements - Don't just copy-paste the AI output. Use it as raw material that you shape into your final documentFor Stakeholder Communication:When you need to pitch something to leadership or engineering:* Generate 3 versions of your pitch using different tools (Claude, ChatPRD, and one other)* Compare them for:* Clarity and conciseness* Strategic framing* Compelling value proposition* Addressing likely objections* Blend the best elements into your final version* Add your personal voice - This is crucial. AI output often lacks personality and specific company context. Add that yourself.For Feature Prioritization:AI tools can help you think through trade-offs more systematically:“I'm deciding between three features for our next release: [Feature A], [Feature B], and [Feature C]. For each feature, analyze: (1) Estimated engineering effort, (2) Expected user impact, (3) Strategic alignment with making our platform the go-to solution for [your market], (4) Risk factors. Then recommend a prioritization with rationale.”This doesn't replace your judgment, but it forces you to think through each dimension systematically and often surfaces considerations you hadn't thought of.The Uncomfortable Truth About AI and Product ManagementLet me be direct about something that makes many PMs uncomfortable: AI will make some PM skills less valuable while making others more valuable.Less valuable:* Writing boilerplate documentation* Creating standard frameworks and templates* Generating routine status updates* Synthesizing information from existing sourcesMore valuable:* Strategic product vision and roadmapping* Deep customer empathy and insight generation* Cross-functional leadership and influence* Critical evaluation of options and trade-offs* Creative problem-solving for novel situationsIf your PM role primarily involves the first category of tasks, you should be concerned. But if you're focused on the second category while leveraging AI for the first, you're going to be exponentially more effective than your peers who resist these tools.The PMs I see succeeding aren't those who can write the best PRD manually. They're those who can write the best PRD with AI assistance in one-tenth the time, then use the saved time to talk to more customers, think more deeply about strategy, and build stronger cross-functional relationships.Advanced Techniques: Beyond Basic PRD GenerationOnce you've mastered the basics, here are some advanced applications I've found valuable:Competitive Analysis at Scale“Research our top 5 competitors in [market]. For each one, analyze: their core value proposition, key features, pricing strategy, target customer, and likely product roadmap based on recent releases and job postings. Create a comparison matrix showing where we have advantages and gaps.”Then use web search tools in Claude or Perplexity to fact-check and expand the analysis.Scenario Planning“We're considering three strategic directions for our product: [Direction A], [Direction B], [Direction C]. For each direction, map out: likely customer adoption curve, required technical investments, competitive positioning in 12 months, and potential pivots if the hypothesis proves wrong. Then identify the highest-risk assumptions we should test first for each direction.”This kind of structured scenario thinking is exactly what AI excels at—generating multiple well-reasoned perspectives quickly.User Story GenerationAfter your PRD is solid:“Based on this PRD, generate a complete set of user stories following the format ‘As a [user type], I want to [action] so that [benefit].' Include acceptance criteria for each story. Organize them into epics by functional area.”This can save your engineering team hours of grooming meetings.The Tools Will Keep Evolving. Your Process Shouldn'tHere's something important to remember: by the time you read this, the specific rankings might have shifted. Maybe ChatGPT-5 has leapfrogged Claude. Maybe a new specialized tool has emerged.But the core principles won't change:* Do strategic thinking before touching AI* Use the best tool available for your specific task* Iterate and refine rather than accepting first outputs* Blend AI capabilities with human judgment* Focus your time on the uniquely human aspects of product managementThe specific tools matter less than your process for using them effectively.A Final Experiment: The Skeptical VP TestI want to share one more insight from my testing that I think is particularly relevant for early and mid-career PMs.Toward the end of my experiment, I gave each tool this prompt: “Please compose a one paragraph exact summary I can share over DM with a highly influential VP of engineering who is generally a skeptic but super smart.”This is such a realistic scenario. How many times have you needed to pitch an idea to a skeptical technical leader via Slack or email? Someone who's brilliant, who's seen a thousand product ideas fail, and who can spot b******t from a mile away?The quality variation in the responses was fascinating. ChatGPT gave me something that felt generic and safe. Gemini was better but still a bit too enthusiastic. Grok was... well, Grok.But Claude and ChatPRD both produced messages that felt authentic, technically credible, and appropriately confident without being overselling. They acknowledged the engineering challenges while framing the opportunity compellingly.The lesson: When the stakes are high and the audience is sophisticated, the quality of your AI tool matters even more. That skeptical VP can tell the difference between a carefully crafted message and AI-generated fluff. So can your CEO. So can your biggest customers.Use the best tools available, but more importantly, always add your own strategic thinking and authentic voice on top.Questions to Consider: A Framework for Your Own ExperimentsAs I wrapped up my Loom, I posed some questions to the audience that I'll pose to you:“Let me know in the comments, if you do your PRDs using AI differently, do you start with back of the envelope? Do you say, oh no, I just start with one sentence, and then I let the chatbot refine it with me? Or do you go way more detailed and then use the chatbot to kind of pressure test it?”These aren't rhetorical questions. Your answer reveals your approach to AI-augmented product work, and different approaches work for different people and contexts.For early-career PMs: I'd recommend starting with more detailed outlines. The discipline of thinking through your product strategy before touching AI will make you a stronger PM. You can always compress that process later as you get more experienced.For mid-career PMs: Experiment with different approaches for different types of documents. Maybe you do detailed outlines for major feature PRDs but use more iterative AI-assisted refinement for smaller features or updates. Find what optimizes your personal productivity while maintaining quality.For senior PMs and product leaders: Consider how AI changes what you should expect from your PM team. Should you be reviewing more AI-generated first drafts and spending more time on strategic guidance? Should you be training your team on effective AI usage? These are leadership questions worth grappling with.The Path Forward: Continuous ExperimentationMy experiment with these five AI tools took 45 minutes. But I'm not done experimenting.The field of AI-assisted product management is evolving rapidly. New tools launch monthly. Existing tools get smarter weekly. Prompting techniques that work today might be obsolete in three months.Your job, if you want to stay at the forefront of product management, is to continuously experiment. Try new tools. Share what works with your peers. Build a personal knowledge base of effective prompts and workflows. And be generous with what you learn. The PM community gets stronger when we share insights rather than hoarding them.That's why I created this Loom and why I'm writing this post. Not because I have all the answers, but because I'm figuring it out in real-time and want to share the journey.A Personal Note on Coaching and ConsultingIf this kind of practical advice resonates with you, I'm happy to work with you directly.Through my pm coaching practice, I offer 1:1 executive, career, and product coaching for PMs and product leaders. We can dig into your specific challenges: whether that's leveling up your AI workflows, navigating a career transition, or developing your strategic product thinking.I also work with companies (usually startups or incubation teams) on product strategy, helping teams figure out PMF for new explorations and improving their product management function.The format is flexible. Some clients want ongoing coaching, others prefer project-based consulting, and some just want a strategic sounding board for a specific decision. Whatever works for you.Reach out through tomleungcoaching.com if you're interested in working together.OK. Enough pontificating. Let's ship greatness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit firesidepm.substack.com

EOD Gear IMPROVISED – Custom Off The Shelf, What We're Building, and What's Coming in 2026In this episode of EOD Gear IMPROVISED, we break down what Custom Off The Shelf™ really means—and why it continues to outperform one-size-fits-all gear in the real world.We get into what we're actively manufacturing at EOD Gear, why owning the process matters, and how speed, quality, and control are becoming non-negotiable in today's environment. This isn't about chasing trends or catalogs—it's about building tools that solve real problems for EOD, Bomb Squad, Special Operations, and law enforcement professionals.We also lay out our early plans for 2026, starting with SHOT Show, and how we're thinking about product development, evaluation, and partnerships heading into the next year.If you're responsible for selecting, testing, or deploying gear—or you care about how equipment is actually built and evaluated—this episode is for you.Learn more at: EOD-Gear.com Questions or procurement support: Reach out before you buy.Follow us on your favorite social media platforms @eodgear

What could be more terrifying than facing enemies on the battlefield or disarming a bomb? For military men, leaving the service can be more unnerving than combat because it means losing their identity and purpose. How can veterans overcome the fear of the unknown and build new paths to success after service?In this powerful episode, Jonathan Bates joins Russ and Joey to share his experience transitioning from the military and the challenges that came with leaving behind a structured environment. After 26 years of service and leaving the only life he knew, Jonathan discovered the importance of mentorship, business ownership, and defining his family's vision. Jonathan discusses how his nonprofit, Patriot Growth Capital, is addressing the three major problems veterans face post-service. Through this organization, Jonathan empowers veterans and their families to step into business ownership, offering mentorship, financial backing, and a comprehensive training program. His approach bridges the gap between military service and civilian success, creating a pathway for veterans to grow and thrive.Top three things you will learn: -Understanding the mental challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life-Building new skills and redefining your identity outside of the military-How to thrive in the civilian worldAbout Our Guest:Jonathan Bates, Lt. EOD, USN (Ret.), is a principal at Patriot Growth Capital. This company focuses on supporting veterans' families by helping individuals become the best version of themselves while teaching them to own and operate businesses.Jonathan transitioned from a 26-year naval career as an explosive ordnance disposal technician to consulting to empower today's youth and leaders. With over 16 years of experience in business coaching, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions, he has fostered organizational cultures rooted in the philosophy, “We think about you, so you can think about others.”Looking ahead, Jonathan has ambitions to complete 50 acquisitions annually and generate $1 billion in revenue to support American veteran families.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not constitute financial advice. Always consult a licensed professional for financial decisions.This episode is sponsored by a podcast show partner. We may receive compensation if you use links or services mentioned in this episode.The hosts may have a financial interest in the programs or services mentioned in this episode.Connect with Jonathan Bates:-Website - https://atlvets.org/ and https://patriotgrowthcapital.com/

Ayahuasca showed this combat veteran truths about trauma, love, and ego he never knew existed.In this episode, Combat Veteran Nahum Vizakis shares the raw, shocking and transformative story of how plant medicine and deep inner work led him through PTSD, ego death, shadow healing, and a complete spiritual awakening. After years as a military EOD technician facing life-and-death situations, Nahum returned home carrying invisible wounds that traditional approaches couldn't touch. ⭐ CONNECT WITH NAHUM VIZAKISWebsite: spiritualbodybuilder.comCoaching & Services: optimizinghum.comInstagram: @spiritual_bodybuilderYouTube: Spiritual Bodybuilder

Ayahuasca showed this combat veteran truths about trauma, love, and ego he never knew existed.In this episode, Combat Veteran Nahum Vizakis shares the raw, shocking and transformative story of how plant medicine and deep inner work led him through PTSD, ego death, shadow healing, and a complete spiritual awakening. After years as a military EOD technician facing life-and-death situations, Nahum returned home carrying invisible wounds that traditional approaches couldn't touch. ⭐ CONNECT WITH NAHUM VIZAKISWebsite: spiritualbodybuilder.comCoaching & Services: optimizinghum.comInstagram: @spiritual_bodybuilderYouTube: Spiritual Bodybuilder

She grew up with no roadmap, no support, and no clear path forward. One pull-up changed everything, leading her into the Army and a career in explosive ordnance disposal. Twelve years later, Kaitlyn Hernandez built a life defined by discipline, resilience, and service. She shares how daily discomfort, purpose, and small hard choices shaped her mindset, helping her run a bomb-suit mile, set a world record, and tackle some of the military's toughest challenges.   3 Key Learnings: Small daily challenges build discipline, mental toughness, and high-stakes performance Leaning into discomfort strengthens resilience, focus, and decision-making Purpose, service, and consistent action create long-term endurance and growth   3 Tools / Frameworks: Controlled discomfort protocols: rucking, cold exposure, physical stress CNS reset through structured challenges Mindset reframing: "I get to, not I have to" and "Fix your face" to shift state   Timestamps: 00:51 – Growing up without structure and finding purpose in service 02:27 – Joining the military and discovering direction 04:08 – How she chose the bomb squad and what EOD means 07:48 – What EOD teams do during stateside and presidential missions 09:14 – How bomb suit training works and what "bomb suit dumb" means 10:28 – Breaking the world record and the strategy behind it 12:59 – Running a bomb-suit mile on all seven continents 13:39 – Preparing for the Antarctica mission and raising awareness 18:50 – Her step-by-step advice for building resilience through daily discomfort   Start with one hard thing, lean into discomfort, and build discipline through daily action.  

Ever watch a pursuit video and wonder why an officer “threw” stop sticks instead of pulling them in from cover? We break down the safer method, the training behind it, and a harrowing story of an officer who nearly lost his leg deploying spikes the wrong way. That opens a bigger conversation about tactics, judgment, and when “off duty” ends—the moment you flip the lights and assert authority, you're responsible as if you're on the clock.From there, we shift into accountability that actually improves outcomes. A magnet fishing crew finds live ordnance and gets scolded for “wasting resources.” We call that what it is—lazy policing—and lay out the correct EOD response. Then we dissect a controversial stop where a warning is issued, yanked back, and swapped for a ticket after tempers flare. We unpack why that likely fails legally and ethically, how Pennsylvania v. Mims is often misapplied, and why officers must articulate true safety concerns rather than let ego drive enforcement.We also challenge a popular myth: more patrol cars don't automatically reduce crime. Focused two-officer units, problem-oriented strategies, and credible community investment outperform random patrols. Mentoring youth and reentry programs lower recidivism more than hot-spot cruising ever will. And if we're serious about reform, accountability can't stop with cops—judges and prosecutors wield enormous discretion with far less scrutiny. Real change balances all three legs of the justice system.Auditors take the spotlight too. The best elevate training and public understanding; the worst provoke for clicks. We outline how departments can avoid the bait, verify a complaining party, and protect First Amendment activity with a simple, respectful acknowledgment. To close, we highlight a life-saving response: an officer recognizes a medical emergency behind the wheel and acts fast, proving that care and competence still define this profession at its best.If this conversation sharpened your perspective, tap follow, share with a friend who'ssend us a message! twocopsonedonut@yahoo.comPeregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.Support the showPlease see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc *Send us a message! twocopsonedonut@yahoo.com

The word brotherhood gets tossed around a lot. In locker rooms. In firehouses. In club houses. In boardrooms. But much of the time, it's just talk.Samson DeSessa lives the word. A career firefighter, EOD technician, combat veteran, keynote speaker, and now author of the bold new book Brotherhood is a VERB, Sam calls out what happens when “know your people” comes off as a slogan instead of a standard. He's here to remind us that brotherhood—real brotherhood—isn't about matching shirts or shared hashtags. It's about sweat, trust, and climbing into the arena yourself.So if you're tired of leadership lip service, buckle up. Because in this episode we're cutting through the smoke to talk about what happens when leaders turn nouns into action—and why Brotherhood is a VERB.

Join Stephen and Jake on The ToosDay Crue as they welcome US Army Retired 1SG Will Eller, an EOD veteran, firearms and situational awareness instructor, and community enabler. Will shares his journey from the Gulf War to deployments in Bosnia and Serbia, and the lessons learned through service, family, and life after the military.

Mark of the BEAST Purge Robot Army? / Elon False Prophet WATCH Vcast covers insights from recent articles and the Tesla Shareholder meeting highlighting the potential for Elon to be the False Prophet: 1. Billions of Optimus Robots starting with 1 million next year…  Robots will change the Future of money that might be the energy you produce  Will you be paid by powering 6G  Optimus robots to watch criminals = when will you be the criminal if you don't comply with the MOTB system? Are these the beasts of the earth that kill in Seal 4?  X / Xai to train Optimus Robots that he thinks will be bigger than cell phones 2. False Prophet Markers and Capabilities, religion is Scientism  Turning X into a bank – MOTB process  Space X – bring fire down from heaven, block the sun, miracles  Promise of uploading your consciousness to Optimus Robots  Brain computer interface, miracles like the blind can see / paralyze can walk  Powerful / Rich people will be ruled by Ai  Results In: Both rich and poor will take the final MOTB to buy or sell  Elon busted for illegally dumping toxic water with the Boring Company  How does this fit scripture and the EOD with the elite hiding in the caves?  Elon's company uses 3D holograms / designs microchips and plans to manufacture microchips  The false prophet will give life to the AC image to speech 3. New Tesla Mission Statement – Sustainable Abundance screams UBI and the MOTB system as the jobs move to the robots / Ai takes over. Elon is pre-programing you with the message of the WEF carbon tax scam / Own nothing and like it. 4. What is Elon's vision for you? Work Optional.. But think about the carrots.

Aaron Hale's story is about what comes next after tragedy strikes. After serving as a Navy cook, he switched to the Army to become an explosive ordnance disposal tech, leading teams through dangerous missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. A blast left him blind, and years later, meningitis took his hearing. Instead of giving up, Aaron focused on how to move forward. He learned new ways to live, connected with other veterans who had faced similar losses, and found purpose in helping others do the same. This episode is a conversation about persistence, service, and learning to build a new life one step at a time. Timestamps: 00:08:11 - From Navy kitchens to Afghanistan's front lines 00:17:49 - The meaning of "initial success or total failure" 00:27:42 - The explosion that changed everything 00:33:30 - Finding mentors and new purpose 00:45:12 - Turning his story into strength for others Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.pointofimpactpod.com/ Follow Aaron Hale on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclayhale Follow Aaron Hale on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ Follow Aaron Hale on Twitter/X: https://x.com/aclayhale Follow Aaron Hale on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hale-1861477/ Eod fudge: https://eodfudge.com/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Send us a textEveryone loves to say they want a “badass” job—until they realize Air Force EOD actually plays with live explosives. Peaches sits down with three bomb techs who spill the truth about blowing stuff up for a living. From top-secret clearances to the sadistic “Grooster” workout, these dudes talk smoke sessions, failure, and why being called “Eagle” isn't a compliment. No Hollywood hero shots here—just sweat, stress, and zero room for mistakes. If you think you're built different, listen up. This episode will check your ego harder than an instructor at NAV School.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – “You're Going Down on Bombs, Boys”03:00 – Why EOD Isn't Just Another SWOE Backup Plan07:15 – The Guard Life vs Active Duty Reality12:45 – Passing the “Psychopath” Test17:00 – The Grooster: EOD's Dumbest (and Best) Workout26:00 – How EOD School Breaks You Without Yelling41:00 – Double Taps, Unicorns, and Ego Checks52:00 – Secret Clearances and Pentagon Power Trips57:30 – 3D Printing Explosives and Idle Hands1:09:00 – Real EOD Life: From Bombs to Breakfast1:16:00 – Advice from the Trenches: Don't Be “That Guy”

Send us a textEveryone loves to say they want a “badass” job—until they realize Air Force EOD actually plays with live explosives. Peaches sits down with three bomb techs who spill the truth about blowing stuff up for a living. From top-secret clearances to the sadistic “Grooster” workout, these dudes talk smoke sessions, failure, and why being called “Eagle” isn't a compliment. No Hollywood hero shots here—just sweat, stress, and zero room for mistakes. If you think you're built different, listen up. This episode will check your ego harder than an instructor at NAV School.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – “You're Going Down on Bombs, Boys” 03:00 – Why EOD Isn't Just Another SWOE Backup Plan 07:15 – The Guard Life vs Active Duty Reality 12:45 – Passing the “Psychopath” Test 17:00 – The Grooster: EOD's Dumbest (and Best) Workout 26:00 – How EOD School Breaks You Without Yelling 41:00 – Double Taps, Unicorns, and Ego Checks 52:00 – Secret Clearances and Pentagon Power Trips 57:30 – 3D Printing Explosives and Idle Hands 1:09:00 – Real EOD Life: From Bombs to Breakfast 1:16:00 – Advice from the Trenches: Don't Be “That Guy”

Send us a textPeaches is flying solo and absolutely torching weak leadership in this unfiltered rant from the Ones Ready team room. The story? A Monster Mash at Little Rock AFB was shut down at the last second—after 50 candidates paid their own way—because someone got scared of “bad optics” during a government shutdown. Spoiler: nobody died, but the leadership's spine sure did.Peaches tears into risk-averse commanders, lazy optics-warriors, and anyone who hides behind policy instead of taking ownership. Then he spotlights one real-deal hero: Col. Echard, the 19th Airlift Wing Commander who told everyone to “keep pressing” and owned the risk like a leader should.If you've ever wondered why morale tanks or why recruiting struggles, this episode spells it out in flaming detail. Get ready for rants, real talk, and a reminder that courage doesn't come from PowerPoint slides.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Peaches in the team room, solo and slightly unhinged 02:30 – The Monster Mash disaster: how 50 candidates got burned 05:10 – Government shutdown excuses and the weak “optics” cop-out 07:30 – Risk aversion: the silent killer of military progress 10:45 – Enter Col. Eckerd: one leader who actually leads 13:00 – “Own the risk, keep pressing” – how real commanders operate 15:00 – Peaches unloads on leadership that folds under pressure 18:00 – Lessons from chaos: empathy, ownership, and doing better 20:00 – Shoutouts to the EOD team and recruiters who kept grinding 22:30 – The Ones Ready mission: real training, real risk, real results 24:00 – PMA, TastyGains, and Peaches roasting himself before bed

For H-Hour perks, join the H-Hour Discord guild: https://discord.com/invite/KCb54MQNxd and follow H-Hour Hugh on X: https://x.com/HughKeir In this insightful icebreaker for H-Hour, former soldier Adnan Sarwar answers challenging questions from Platinum subscribers, reflecting on grief, identity, and military culture. This gripping session includes raw discussions about the Iraq War, the significance of storytelling, and the power of photography. Adnan also opens up about his book, 'British Muslim Soldier,' and its exploration of belonging and values. Enjoy this compelling 20-minute podcast that sets the stage for a profound conversation in the full podcast episode, #272. https://www.adnansarwar.com/ https://substack.com/@adnansarwar https://www.instagram.com/adnansarwarphotos/ Adnan Sarwar served with the Royal Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD) and during his service completed multiple tours including the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Upon leaving the military, Adnan has forged a successful career as a documentary maker for Channel 4, ITV and the BBC, a writer. He previously edited at The Economist.

For H-Hour perks, join the H-Hour Discord guild: https://discord.com/invite/KCb54MQNxd and follow H-Hour Hugh on X: https://x.com/HughKeir Adnan Sarwar and I delve into the heart of modern Britain, exploring the causes and impacts of social unrest, the nuances of immigration, and the evolving concept of British identity. Adnan shares his firsthand experiences from recent protests around the country, offers a historical perspective on multiculturalism, and discusses his military background. The discussion also covers contemporary issues such as Digital IDs and the balance of morality within the military. This episode is a thought-provoking journey into the current state of Britain and the historical forces that have shaped it. https://www.adnansarwar.com https://substack.com/@adnansarwar https://www.instagram.com/adnansarwarphotos Adnan Sarwar served with the Royal Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD) and during his service completed multiple tours including the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Upon leaving the military, Adnan has forged a successful career as a documentary maker for Channel 4, ITV and the BBC, a writer. He previously edited at The Economist.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text MessageThe story we were handed about January 6 sounded complete—until the paperwork started talking. We unpack a newly surfaced FBI after-action report, why it arrived on Capitol Hill years late, and what rank-and-file agents say about a lopsided response compared with the 2020 summer riots. Along the way, we examine the operational oddities—274 plain-clothes agents deployed with firearms for “crowd control” after violence began—and ask the basic questions any competent oversight body should: who gave the orders, what doctrine guided them, and where is the full timeline that ties intelligence, deployments, and decisions together.We walk through how the “insurrection” label took hold in real time, amplified by politicians and corporate leaders before investigations matured. Early reporting from Julie Kelly challenged that immediate framing, emphasizing evidence gaps and procedural inconsistencies. Whether you agree with her or not, the sequence matters: labels shape prosecutions, media coverage, and public memory. If the official narrative is sound, it will withstand scrutiny. If it isn't, the record must be corrected with the same volume used to set it.We also press into the unresolved pieces: disputed details around alleged pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC, the mechanics of Guard requests and refusals, and why parts of the FBI's internal critique never appeared in Inspector General summaries. Transparency is the path forward—release synchronized timelines, redacted EOD reports, deployment orders, and communications logs. Accountability is not about scoring points; it's about improving doctrine so future mass gatherings are policed with clarity, restraint, and public trust.Key Points from the Episode:• internal FBI after-action report surfacing years later• agents' claims of unequal responses in 2020 and Jan 6• 274 plain-clothes FBI agents and crowd control questions• the rapid spread of the “insurrection” framing• Julie Kelly's early reporting and evidentiary gaps• outstanding questions on Guard requests and leadership decisions• pipe bomb timeline, forensics, and public perception• accountability, transparency, and reforms for future incidentsBe sure to check out our show page at teammojoacademy.com, where we have everything we discussed in this podcast as well as other great resourcesOther resources: Just the news article Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly!

//The Wire//2300Z September 17, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: MEDEVAC HELICOPTER SHOT IN ALABAMA. VANDALISM CONTINUES AT MEMORIALS AROUND USA. VEHICLE RAMMING ATTACK REPORTED AT FBI OFFICE IN PITTSBURGH.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------HomeFront-USA: Around the nation, various vandalism incidents continue at Charlie Kirk memorials. In North Carolina, a memorial was defaced at the UNC Wilmington campus, with the university making statements that passively endorsed the behavior and that no action will be taken. In Florida, the memorials painted at the "Graffiti Bridge" in Pensacola have also been heavily defaced over the past 24 hours, and another memorial was defaced in Arkansas as well.Pennsylvania: This afternoon multiple casualties were reported after police responded to a domestic disturbance call. 5x officers were wounded after a skirmish broke out at a rural property south of Spring Grove, with 3x officers remaining in critical condition as a result of the engagement. The suspect was recovered deceased at the scene.Overnight a vehicle ramming attack was reported at the FBI Field Office in Pittsburgh. Donald Henson was arrested after crashing his vehicle into the gates of the facility before fleeing the scene on foot. After a brief manhunt, the suspect was apprehended this morning.Analyst Comment: Though this was a targeted attack, this could be more of a case of mental illness rather than a more coherent attack. The suspect had painted statements on his vehicle, and had previously been reported for erratic behavior by family members.Arizona: A suspicious package was discovered outside the headquarters of Turning Point USA, which triggered a police response. EOD personnel were dispatched to examine the bag, which was determined to be a false-alarm.Alabama: This morning, one medevac helicopter was struck with effective Surface-to-Air Fire (SAFIRE) in the vicinity of County Road 51 in Autauga County. Local authorities arrested Peter Ellison for shooting a Life Flight helicopter in the process of responding to a medical emergency. Several rounds impacted the helicopter and one flight nurse was wounded during the attack.Washington D.C. - This morning FCC Chairman Brendan Carr made statements indicating an investigation into the ABC corporation's licensing stipulations, after comments were made during Jimmy Kimmel's show last night that falsely state that Tyler Robinson was a political conservative, and conducted the murder of Charlie Kirk as a result of conservative ideology.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: One of the follow-on effects of the Kirk assassination is the closer examination of platforms which have allowed open calls for violence over the years, with no repercussions. This is why the CEOs of Twitch, Discord, Reddit, and Steam have been requested to testify before Congress next month regarding the overwhelmingly one-sided policing of content on their platforms.Several influencers and content streamers have openly called for violence against political conservatives for many years now, breaking many of these own companies Terms and Conditions for content production. Nevertheless, the violent rhetoric has been allowed for so long, that it's shifted out of the realm of a free-speech issue, and into the territory of quite literal attack planning efforts. The White House (mostly AG Pam Bondi and President Trump himself) is doing an exceptionally poor job at describing this investigative effort, framing the issue without the nuance required to clearly state what is happening. However, as the violence from the political left has not decreased, but rather increased after Kirk's murder, this is a detail very important for risk assessment at a time where the threats are becoming increasingly more serious.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground//END REPORT

Johnny “Joey” Jones is a FOX News Media contributor, Marine Corps veteran, and New York Times bestselling author. After serving as an EOD technician and sustaining life-changing injuries in Afghanistan, Joey has become a powerful advocate for veterans and first responders, sharing his perspective through his books, media work, and motivational speaking. Follow Johnny "Joey" Jones: https://www.instagram.com/johhny_joey/ Follow Outsider: https://www.instagram.com/outsiderig/ Shop Outsider: https://www.outsider.com/   Follow Jay: https://www.instagram.com/ifjayhadinstagram/ Follow Sam: https://www.instagram.com/sammackey615/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreOutsider/podcasts Episode sponsored by: Montana Dog Food Company: https://montanadogfoodco.com/ Alpen Optics: https://alpenoptics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When he originally enlisted in the Army, now-CPT Michael Villahermosa not only didn't even consider becoming an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Soldier—he didn't even know what it was. But he quickly realized he had the right skills to succeed at it, and has become a leading EOD commander, instructor, and now social media influencer (under the name “EOD Happy Captain”). Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with CPT Villahermosa to discuss the life and community of EOD Soldiers, how his social media prowess has helped out his fellow Soldiers, and how a gift of hot honey made everyone at his base laugh.   Guest: CPT Michael Villahermosa, U.S Army, EOD Happy Captain   Central Michigan General and Flag Officer Event Links: General and Flag Officer Leadership Symposium Webpage: https://go.cmualum.com/GOFOPanel25   General and Flag Officer Leadership Symposium Livestream Link: https://chipcast.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=fdee1ca5-880d-4121-931b-b32f00fae0b9   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA's Army Matters podcast! AUSA's Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA's educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA's Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

Get ready for an explosive episode of the Mike Drop podcast, where we dive into the gritty, unfiltered life of Chief Special Warfare Operator Kevin Kent. With over two decades in the SEAL teams, Kevin's story is a rollercoaster of high-stakes missions, near-death experiences, and lessons learned the hard way. From dodging tracers in the chaotic streets of Iraq during the 2003 deployment to navigating the wild aftermath of liberty incidents, Kevin's journey is a raw testament to the resilience and grit it takes to thrive in the world's most elite fighting force. His tales of camaraderie, chaos, and personal growth will pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. This episode isn't just about war stories—it's about the man behind the trident. Kevin opens up about his roots as an Army brat, growing up in Tennessee with a disciplined EOD father who shaped his path to the SEALs. He shares the pivotal moments that drove him to push past doubt and physical limits, from a regret-fueled high school football exit to grueling factory jobs that prepped him for BUD/S. With humor and candor, Kevin reflects on the mishaps—like a bar brawl in Albuquerque that nearly derailed his career—and the triumphs that defined his 20-year tenure. Whether it's serving high-risk warrants in New Mexico or mentoring actors in Hollywood, his multifaceted life as a SEAL, comedian, stuntman, and podcast co-host shines through. Buckle up as we explore the chaos, courage, and clarity of Kevin Kent's remarkable journey. From the battlefield to the big screen, he's lived a life most can only imagine, and he's here to share the unvarnished truth. Whether you're drawn to the adrenaline of combat, the brotherhood of the teams, or the unexpected turns of a SEAL's career, this episode delivers it all with the raw intensity you expect from Mike Drop. Don't miss this deep dive into a warrior's world, where every story is a lesson, and every lesson is hard-earned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textPeaches is back with your Labor Day hangover cure — the September 2nd Daily Drop. We're talking Special Warfare assessment, why everything in training actually ties back to the mission, and yes, why your hips are going to explode if you show up to Nashville's Operator Training Summit.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Special Warfare assessment & “attributes-based selection” explained 02:00 – Fitness shoutout: 18 Alpha Fitness & prep partners 03:00 – Pentagon forms Counter-Drone Task Force 04:10 – Hendersonville PD honored with Freedom Award 04:45 – Nashville OTS details & why your hips are doomed 05:30 – Guard helps D.C. with security & beautification 06:20 – EOD robots finally get depth perception 07:00 – GPS denial & alternative navigation testing 07:45 – Air Force tests Collaborative Combat Aircraft 08:15 – Gen. Fuge Epperson takes over Warfare Center 09:00 – Mass casualty exercise in Japan 09:30 – Northern Edge 2025 wraps up in Alaska 10:00 – Space Force first officer training class graduates 10:40 – SpaceWorks hyperspace challenge opens to innovators 11:20 – Pentagon halts China-based involvement in cloud 12:00 – Army heat stress research & summer “heat cats” dropping 12:45 – Wrap-up & shameless Ones Ready plug

In Episode 208 of the Transition Drill Podcast, Retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, Jacquelyn “Jacque” Read's path took her from rural Colorado to serving over two decades in the Navy, mastering roles from Chinese linguist to elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician and operating with Navy Special Warfare - Development Group. She shares how a childhood built on discipline and resilience prepared her for grueling training, shipboard missions, humanitarian aid in Haiti, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. After retiring in 2022, she founded her own company focused on training, resilience, and leadership. This episode delivers powerful lessons for veterans and first responders on perseverance, adaptability, and building a purposeful life after service.Jacque's journey began in the wake of the September 11 attacks, as a newly enlisted cryptologic technician studying Chinese at the Defense Language Institute. Stationed in Hawaii, she balanced her role as a linguist with a deep passion for the ocean, surfing and kiteboarding every chance she got. But the call to push her limits never faded. She set her sights on EOD, enduring one of the military's most challenging pipelines to earn her place in a male-dominated field.From shipboard missions to joint training with foreign forces, from inspecting ordnance to humanitarian response in Haiti, Jacque proved herself through performance and professionalism. Her skills and reputation led to selection for a specialized female operator program with Navy Special Warfare Development Group, where she worked in high-stakes environments requiring absolute trust and precision.After retiring in 2022, Jacque transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding her own company focused on training, resilience, and leadership. She now uses her experience to help others succeed in high-pressure environments and guides veterans and first responders through the challenges of transition.In this episode, Jacque shares her full journey, lessons in perseverance, the realities of breaking barriers, and the mindset needed to thrive in service and beyond. Her story is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to step into the unknown and succeed.Don't miss an episode. Follow the Transition Drill Podcast and share with someone who needs to hear it.The best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life.Follow the show and share it with another veteran or first responder who would enjoy this.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:Instagram: WEBSITE: LinkedIn: SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:SPONSORS:Brothers & Arms USAGet 20% off your purchaseLink: https://brothersandarms.comPromo Code: Transition20Trident CoffeeGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://tridentcoffee.comPromo Code: TDP15GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15Total Force Plus ConferenceLink: https://totalforceplus.org

Send us a textThink active duty is the only path? Derrick Blake would like a word—preferably during his 3-day weekend. From almost joining the Marines to wrenching on A-10s and recruiting for the 193rd Special Operations Wing, Derrick walks us through how the Air National Guard let him stay home, stack checks, and still deploy to undisclosed sandbox locations. Oh, and did we mention you start getting paid before basic? Yeah. This one's going to ruffle some feathers—and we love it.We talk Guard myths vs. facts, how student flight is the low-key cheat code, and why most people have no damn clue what the Guard even is. If you're trying to join TACP or EOD through the Guard and haven't hit up Derrick yet, what are you even doing?

Join us on Dark Outdoors® for an unforgettable conversation with Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Mike R. Vining—explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) pioneer and Delta Force operative—and his wife, acclaimed wildlife photographer and author Donna Ikenberry. Married atop Mauna Kea in 1999 after Mike's decorated 30‑year military career (including Vietnam, Eagle Claw, Desert Storm, and more) Donna has since published over a thousand images, guidebooks, and magazine articles from nearly every continent Donna Ikenberry Photography.  In this episode we explore: Top strategies for staying safe in remote terrains—from avalanche zones to wildlife territory. How Donna approaches storytelling through photography in unpredictable environments. Lessons Mike has learned from decades of military and outdoor leadership: situational awareness, risk assessment, and self-reliance. Tips for adventure couples: teamwork, planning, resilience—and capturing moments worth preserving. Tune in for a uniquely dynamic pairing: military precision meets nature's art—illuminated by humor, hard-earned wisdom, and couple‑led courage in the wild.    

No Sight, No Sound, No Surrender: The Aaron Hale Story This week's Team Never Quit episode features the incredible Aaron Hale—a man who has stared down adversity, twice over, and answered with resilience, grit, and chocolate. A 14-year military veteran of both the Navy and Army, Aaron was serving his second deployment in Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team Leader when an IED explosion took his sight and altered the course of his life. But Aaron didn't stop moving forward—he started climbing. Aaron shares how he turned tragedy into testimony, going from the battlefield to building a life filled with purpose. From teaching at the EOD school post-injury to completing the Boston Marathon and climbing mountains, Aaron's journey is one of extreme perseverance. In 2015, another blow—bacterial meningitis—left him completely deaf, but with cochlear implants, the support of his incredible wife McKayla, and a “Challenge Accepted” mindset, Aaron continues to thrive. We also dive into Aaron and McKayla's passion project turned thriving business—Extra Ordinary Delights, an artisan chocolate and fudge company born out of love, grit, and a relentless pursuit of joy.  Aaron Hale doesn't just inspire—he challenges all of us to rise, to reinvent, and to find joy even in the most unexpected places. From bombs to bonbons, his life is a powerful reminder that adversity is not the end of the story—it's the beginning of a better one. In This Episode You Will Hear: •  I became one of the personal chefs for the 3-star Admiral, commander to the 6th fleet (1:10) •  I wanted to be in a tight knit brotherhood. I wanted a technically challenging career field.  (14:40) •  Being that evidence collector guy that I wanted to be, I made my approach with a metal detector. 20 yards or so from the primary device was a secondary device that hadn't been found yet. It vaulted me into the air. I reached up to fix my helmet and it was gone. And I thought “Oh, no - this is bad”. At Walter Reed, I was told I'd be blind for the rest of my life. (28:05)  •  Total blindness comes with a bonus gift of sleep disorder. You can't rest you circadian rhythm. (30:50) •  I had those demons in my head asking the What if's; the Why me's. (31:37) •  I don't have a monopoly on pain. (33:36) •  I don't have any good answers, any good reasons to quit (33:43) •   Instead of “Why me? or “I can't” I just try to figure out how I can. (34:00) •  For about 6 months, I learned how to be blind. (36:03) •  I'm having an awesome time. (38:59) •  I contracted Bacterial Meningitis. That came closer to killing me than the bomb had. (39:20) •  That's when I felt bad - when I was just thinking about myself (42:37) •  I might as well keep working hard to do hard things. (46:08) •  For ten years I've been running marathons and ultra marathons (46:30) •  Everything in my life is a team sport (49:49) •  You can look at it as “I have to” or “I get to” (50:16) •  Maybe one day, the story of your struggle might be the blueprint for someone else's survival (52:35) Support Aaron   - https://pointofimpactpod.com/ - Link tree: https://linktr.ee/aaronhalepointofimpact  Fb:  https://www.facebook.com/aclayhale IG: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ   - partnersinbuilding.com - Navyfederal.org        -    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s    -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Send us a textLet's get one thing straight—this ain't your typical Air Force hype-fest. Xavier Knapp went from "please God, not F-16s" to becoming the standout maintainer in Netflix's Thunderbirds documentary. In this episode, we pull the curtain all the way back on what it really means to be a top-tier wrench-turner in the Air Force. Xavier shares the unfiltered truth about failing out of EOD, getting slapped in the face (literally) by maintenance, and grinding through 120° days and freezing nights to keep jets flying. He breaks down the hard-earned pride of maintenance culture, the myth and reality of the Thunderbirds, and why tight uniforms and tighter standards actually matter. If you think being a Thunderbird is all glitz and no grit, this one's going to hurt your feelings. Let Xavier wreck your cynicism—and maybe inspire you to raise your own damn standards.

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textWelcome back to another episode where Peaches, Aaron, and a walking EOD war story—Charles Howell—drag you down memory lane... kicking and screaming. From nearly tattooing a crab on his chest before basic training to blowing up more IEDs than most people blow up relationships, Charles spills the entire chaotic tea of his two-decade detonation tour.We talk about how EODs were treated like the “red-headed stepchildren of CE,” the comedic incompetence of leadership during actual combat deployments, and the golden age of malicious compliance (spoiler: his commander got too many phone calls). Oh—and apparently, if you failed your first test at the schoolhouse? Congrats, there's a selfie of you somewhere making rounds at the EOD bar circuit.This episode has everything:A Marine getting trolled into oblivion over a lost fuseXbox Kinect motion sensors used to kill helicoptersPJ and EOD instructors emotionally scarring students (who definitely still remember)Sunlight on Peaches' nose ruining the episode's aestheticIf you're one of those parents asking questions for your kid at the recruiter's office—buckle up. Charles has thoughts. And no, you're not going to Deloitte, Karen. You're joining the military. Maybe.

>Join Jocko Underground